Question: 6 Most Common Reasons Your GMC Acadia Won’t Start Just Clicks 

Starting issues are prevalent in automobiles, and you must have had your fair share as a car owner. It brings us to our main topic: GMC Acadia won’t start just clicks. What is the issue, and what should you do in such a scenario?

You have already done an excellent job taking note of the symptoms accompanying the hard start, which is crucial for diagnosis. Most of the time, the troublesome ignition originates from the electrical unit, though the fuel system may take the blame sometimes. Sit tight as we look at why your GMC Acadia won’t start and clicks instead.

Answer: You Have a Bad Battery

The battery is the hub of the car’s electrical system. If faulty, it will affect the performance of other components relying on the electrical unit, such as the ignition system. You will hear the clicks when you attempt to start your car, but the engine won’t crank.

In this case, you may have a low-voltage or an out-of-service battery. Sometimes, the battery will act up due to low temperatures.

The following are some of the tell-tale signs of a faulty battery.

  • Slow cranking
  • Dim or flickering lights
  • Signs of physical damage, like leaking fluid and bulging case
  • Unusual odors
  • Failing of other electrical components and accessories

Solution:

Inspect the battery to determine whether it is the root of the starting complications. You should replace it if it appears to be in bad shape, like a swollen case or leaking fluid. If it is physically alright, you can test its voltage.

You can revive a low-voltage battery by jumpstarting it. Old batteries tend to frequently lose their voltage, calling for a replacement.

Cold temperatures can affect the chemical processes in the battery. Jumpstarting and key cycling can help warm up the battery.

Answer: Bad Terminals

Still looking at the battery and why your GMC Acadia won’t start just clicks, the issue might be the terminals. A close inspection of the battery posts may reveal sulfation or total wear. Corroded terminals won’t adequately transmit current, leading to ignition troubles.

Such terminals have a bluish or whitish powder coating them, which you should deal with.

How to fix:

Clean corroded battery terminals to rejuvenate their functionality. You can use terminal cleaner to quickly and perfectly eliminate the sulfate buildup. Alternatively, you may use a mixture of baking soda and water or Coke. 

You should regularly maintain the posts by scraping off the powder with sandpaper. After cleaning, apply a thin grease or petroleum jelly film to the terminals to prevent corrosion.

What about damaged terminals? The logical solution for badly worn terminals is getting a new battery, which can be expensive.

A cheaper option is replacing the terminals, which requires someone experienced in such repairs. Post replacement may lessen battery life, especially if done wrongly.

GMC Acadia won't start just clicks

Answer: Faulty Connections

Your GMC Acadia battery may be in excellent shape, but still starting is noisy and problematic. Here, the issue might be with the connections. Broken wires and blown fuses might be responsible for your hiccups.

Sometimes, your car may start and drive well, but you notice clicking or ticking noises from the fuse box. This is a sign of computer failure or high resistance in your power supply.

Fixes:

You must probe your wiring if you suspect faulty connections. Use duct tape to contain frayed or broken wires and replace them if corroded. Test your fuses and get new ones if blown. You need an experienced mechanic to fix the faulty fuse box relay that is behind the noises.

Answer: A Malfunctioning Alternator

Your battery may be new and in excellent shape, but it constantly loses power, translating to hard starts. You might be dealing with alternator malfunctions. The alternator charges your battery as the engine moves; if it is faulty, it won’t work as needed.

Symptoms of a failing alternator include:

  • Troublesome ignition
  • Frequent stalling
  • Dim lights
  • Constant battery power loss
  • The battery dashboard light is on

Sometimes, the alternator problems come by due to a mismatch and may overcharge the battery. It is a severe issue that causes rapid battery wear, noticeable from a bulging case and leaking fluid.

Solution:

Have your mechanic probe your alternator and determine whether you can fix it or get a new one. You may have to upgrade your battery or tweak the alternator in case of an overcharge.

Answer: A Troublesome Starter

A bad starter may be the reason why your GMC Acadia won’t start just clicks. A standard indication of starter problems is a loud click while turning on the ignition, but the engine won’t crank. The snag might be the starter motor, the relay, or the solenoid.

The click may occasionally turn to a grinding or whining sound when you try starting the car. You may notice the vehicle’s electric component turning on, but the engine won’t turn over.

Fixes:

Inspection of the starter assembly will reveal what is wrong. A simple remedy for a failing starter is gently hitting it with a rod, which may revive it. However, it may fail to work if it is out-of-service, like if oil poured over it. Fix the leak and get a new starter to avoid the starting issues.

Also, check individual starter components like the motor, relay, and solenoid and fix or replace them if necessary.

Answer: Engine Issues

Old or damaged engines can fail to start, even if other parts are in excellent shape. The clicks may be due to the starter trying to engage but failing to do so.

Consult a professional to diagnose your engine troubles to save you from the hard starts. The best move is to get a new engine, which might be expensive. If you are on a tight budget, you can fix the necessary parts of the engine or opt for refurbishment.

Wrapping Up

This piece takes an in-depth look at why your GMC Acadia won’t start just clicks. The battery should be your first checkpoint. You may discover other issues as you probe the electrical unit. Consult your mechanic if the complications seem to be too challenging to handle.

GMC Acadia Specs

Name2023 GMC Acadia SLE
Vehicle classificationMid-size crossover SUV
Engine2.0-liter turbocharged gas with direct injection
Maximum horsepower228 at 5000 RPM
Maximum torque258 at 4000 RPM
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive
Transmission9-speed automatic transmission
Fuel economy: combined/city/highway25/22/29 mpg
Fuel tank capacity19 gallons
Length193.4 inches
Width (excluding mirrors)75.4 inches
Height66.7 inches
wheelbase112.5 inches
Minimum ground clearance7.2 inches
Steering typeElectric rack and pinion
Base curb weight4155 lbs.
Seating capacity7
Manufacturer recommended price$36145

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about starting issues in cars.

Why Does My Car Fail To Start When It Is Cold?

There are several reasons why your car won’t start when it is cold, with the blame primarily pointing to the electrical system. You may have a bad battery, a failing starter, or inadequate fuel. Inspect your car to get to the root of the problem.

Why Does My Car Fail To Start With Rapid Clicking?

Rapid clicks accompanying hard starts signal an issue with the battery or electrical connections. Jumpstart the battery to boost its voltage and fix loose wires.

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